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close windowCase Study No. 65
Orlando, FL
Information provided and contributions made by Ken Stygerwal, Tommy Holland, and Bob Faris, City of Orlando.
The intersection of South Street and Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando experienced a relatively high incidence of pedestrian/motorist conflicts.
A leading pedestrian interval at the intersection of South Street and Orange Avenue gives pedestrians a 4 second head start in crossing.
Right-turn-on-red maneuvers made by motorists were particularly dangerous for pedestrians crossing an intersection. The intersection of South Street and Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando experienced a relatively high incidence of pedestrian/motorist conflicts, especially after a municipal parking facility was relocated away from municipal buildings. A new office tower being constructed on the old parking lot site, and many municipal workers parked at a parking facility 0.4 km (0.25 mi) away. The walk to municipal offices required the crossing of the intersection of South and Orange.
The increase of pedestrian traffic through this intersection and the occurrence of a pedestrian accident in the crosswalk in 1997 prompted the City to examine the operation of the traffic signal to improve pedestrian safety.
With the 4 second lead time given by the leading pedestrian interval, pedestrians are able to cross part of the intersection before vehicles begin turning.
The intersection of South Street and Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando was the site for what is called a leading pedestrian interval. At a cost of only hundreds of dollars and taking only 2 hrs to install, the leading pedestrian interval was simply a change in signal phasing that allowed for a pedestrian phase to begin 4 s before the green phase for motor vehicle traffic. This allowed pedestrians a head start to cross in the crosswalk of the intersection. It provided significant visibility to those crossing, gave extra time for pedestrians to cross, and alerted motorists to the existence of pedestrians in the crosswalk. An illuminated sign was installed on the overhead signal post reminding motorists to “yield to peds” in the crosswalk while the signal was green. When the signal was red, the sign changed to read “no turn on red” to prevent pedestrian collisions from this action.
The extra time for the pedestrian phase was gained from the introduction of a third signal phase at that particular intersection. The intersection was operating on two phases, and a third 6-second phase was added in order to accommodate the additional pedestrian walk time while all other approaches were red. The walk signal is maintained as the green phase begins for motorists.
Although the primary impetus for the introduction of the leading pedestrian interval was due to a highly publicized accident involving a municipal employee, a review of pedestrian accidents reveals no decrease since the new signal phase began operating in 1998. Accident rates remain unchanged at this intersection.
The new signal phase enhances the visibility of pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk and alerts motorists to the existence of pedestrians in their right-of-way as they cross the busy intersection. City staff note that, because of the reduction in pedestrian/auto conflicts, the leading pedestrian interval has also improved the vehicular level of service despite the decrease in green time for vehicles. Both motorists and pedestrians alike became accustomed to the new situation rather quickly, and both groups seem to be undisturbed by the new signal operation. Pedestrians benefit from the increased safety and visibility the new signal phase provides.
Tommy Holland
Traffic Analyst Supervisor
City of Orlando
P.O. Box 4990
Orlando, FL 32802-4990
Phone: (407) 246-3257
Fax: (407) 246-2892
E-mail: tommy.holland@cityoforlando.net